MATHEW RHYS

Actor Mathew Rhys, who rose to fame playing alongside Kathleen Turner in the West End stage production of The Graduate, walks and talks in the Dyfi Valley with local wildlife expert Iolo Williams.

He goes back to his roots and revisits a farm near Pennal, Machynlleth where his father was born and his uncle Hywel now farms.

“I really wanted to be a farmer when I was younger,” says Mathew. “My grandmother used to try to talk me out of it saying I’d be better off getting a ‘proper’ job. She wanted me to be a chef!”

“I don’t know whether or not I could be a farmer now having lived all my life in towns and cities,” confesses Mathew. “Like many people, I have a romantic idea about farming although I do understand how difficult it is.”

Talking about why he likes to return to Powys when his busy schedule permits, Mathew says, “I love coming back to this area to relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside. I have lots of family here and I enjoy hearing stories about my grandmother and grandfather. The peacefulness of the place certainly appeals and is a pleasant contrast to the hustle-bustle of city life.”